FOND, adjective

1. Foolish; silly; weak; indiscreet; imprudent;

Grant I may never prove so fond

To trust man on his oath or bond.

FOND thoughts may fall into some idle brain.

2. Foolishly tender and loving; doting; weakly indulgent; as a fond mother or wife.

3. Much pleased; loving ardently; delighted with. A child is fond of play; a gentleman is fond of his sports, or of his country seat. In present usage, fond does not always imply weakness or folly.

4. Relishing highly. The epicure is fond of high seasoned food. Multitudes of men are too fond of strong drink.

5. Trifling; valued by folly. [Little used.]

FOND, verb transitive To treat with great indulgence or tenderness; to caress; to cocker.

The Tyrian hugs and fonds thee on her breast.

FOND is thus used by the poets only. We now use fondle.

FOND, verb intransitive To be fond of; to be in love with; to dote on. [Little used.]